How to Select the Perfect Hidden Door Hinge Hardware

What are Hidden Door Hinges?

Hidden hinges are hinges that are hinges which are unseen when the door is closed. Hidden door hinges are concealed or invisible in the opening so when the door is closed no hinges are visible from either side. Hidden concealed hinges can be a perfect hinge when you are trying to conceal or hide the entrance into a space. Invisible concealed hinges can be used in an interior or exterior door and can be used to add to a modern look.

Hidden hinges can be called a wide range of names including concealed hinges, invisible hinges, hidden door hinges, and hidden door hinge systems. Let's discuss the top hidden door hinge system, so you can purchase the perfect hidden hinge for your hidden door project. Hidden invisible hinges will allow for the door to look seamless in your space, so the overall gaps of the doors will be minimal and make the door look like a continuation of the wall.

Hinges for Hidden Doors

What determines the best hinge for my application? There are a couple of factors including door size, mortised style, and installation requirements.

Door Size

The type of door you are looking to hide will be the leading factor in determining the perfect hidden door hardware hinge. Once you know the style of the door, then you will need to determine the perfect location for the hinges, hidden hinges can be installed on the side or top and bottom.

Mortised Style

Top and bottom concealed hidden door hinges will need to be mortised into the header and the floor for a seamless look. Side-mounted hidden door hinges will be mortised into the door jamb and into the door thickness.

Swing or Installation Hinge Design

Hidden doors can swing from the center of the opening or the edge of the opening. A center swing might be used when you are installing more than one door in the opening, or looking for the door to be center in the opening when the door is opening/closing. The door will swing in a 360-degree rotation

The side edge axis means the door hardware will be mounted near the side of the opening in the header. Hidden door hinges will offer different swing options the center axis or side axis will also determine the rotation available which will be a 180-degree rotation.

Partial Door Concealed Door Hinges

Smaller doors are used to conceal a smaller space. For example a door under the stairs or a hidden compartment like an attic. These doors are normally lightweight and are shorter than 60" tall. Hidden hinges can be a perfect option for these smaller spaces, making the space look seamless and the door look almost invisible. We would suggest a smaller concealed door hinge for these styles of doors.

Central Axis Hidden Hinge

These hinges are top and bottom-mounted, so you will need to mortise the door, header, and floor to ensure the perfect fit. The door will be swung in the center of the opening.

Side Axis Concealed Hinge

These hinges are top and bottom-mounted, so you will need to mortise the door, header, and floor to ensure the perfect fit. The door will be swung at the edge of the opening.

Jamb Mounted Hidden Hardware

These hinges are mounted into the side of the door, as well as the door jamb. The door thickness will be a leading factor in which hinges will be available.

Full-Length Door- Hidden Hinges

Full-length doors such as Murphy doors, hidden bookcases, or hidden doors can be perfect for your space, these doors will need a heavier-duty hinge. The weight of the door will be a determining factor when selecting a hidden hinge for a full-length door.

Heavy Duty Hidden Hinges

The center axis will allow for a 360 rotation, and the side edge axis concealed hinge will allow for a 180 rotation. These hinges will vary on the weight they can carry,

Center or Side Edge Axis Concealed Hinge

Side Edge Axis Concealed Hinges

Double Action Hidden Hinges

These hinges will allow the door to swing in both directions and automatically return to the center. Most hidden hinges do not have automatic return to center, they normally require you to close the door. Double action hidden door will allow the door to swing freely but have a hold open in 90 degrees.